Sweet Sips

Sweet Sips, Beaver Pride: Alumni Returns to Serve Reedsburg

By,

Tyler Asp

On January 3, the "dirty soda" trend officially arrived in Reedsburg. Located at 146 Eagle Street, right off the 400 Trail, Sweet Sips Soda Shop is the latest addition to the city's business community, offering a new twist on carbonated beverages.

Owner Kayleigh Meyer, a 2019 Reedsburg Area High School graduate, saw an opening to bring something unique to her hometown.

"I grew up in Reedsburg... I've always wanted to own a business," Meyer said. "I thought that this would be a really good fit for Reedsburg and so far the community has agreed with that... I thought that I could bring some of my passion to the town that I love."

The shop’s concept focuses on customization. Customers start with a base—such as soda, lemonade, or an energy drink—and add "dirty" elements like creams, fruit purees, or boba. While Meyer encourages customers to be creative, she has also crafted a menu of signature drinks, including the popular "Twisted Toffee" and the "Shark Attack," a blue-raspberry favorite.

"I can express myself through drinks and then my customers can as well," Meyer said. "It's a nice little pick me up treat. It lets you enjoy the beverages that you're drinking."

To turn that enjoyment into repeat business, Meyer is using modern strategies. She launched a digital rewards program (buy nine, get the tenth free) and is active on Instagram to connect with the high school demographic. She is even looking to hire students aged 16 to 20 to help keep the business trendy and fresh.

Meyer wants the shop to be more than just a place to grab a drink; she envisions it as a safe "third place" for students to hang out and finish their homework. Her desire to create a supportive environment stems directly from the support she received during her own time at RAHS, specifically from math teacher Mr. Kory Boughton and former principal Mr. Matt Terry.

"Honestly, [Mr. Boughton] was the only reason I graduated. I did not do well in math class but he believed in me and helped me in every way," Meyer said. "[And] Mr. Terry was always funny and helpful... he was able to joke around."

Now, she hopes to pass that positivity forward to the next generation of Beavers. With plans to add cornhole games and potentially soft-serve ice cream this summer, Meyer is focused on making Sweet Sips a long-term staple of the community.

"I want every single person that walks through the store to instantly be greeted and I want them to feel welcome," Meyer said. "I want them to come in, feel the warmth, feel the love that's in this space and to just be like, 'Wow, this is nice.'"